Image/logo taken from Wikipedia
Just recently, DeepSeek shocked the world. While tech giants were spending hundreds of millions building their AI models, this Chinese startup quietly developed a powerful AI with only $6 million and a team of fewer than 200 people—many of whom were interns!
Now, while the world is talking about DeepSeek’s breakthrough, I couldn’t help but think… what if the hotel industry applied some of these same principles? What if we stopped doing things the old way and learned from DeepSeek’s playbook? Let’s dive into three powerful lessons we can take from their success and bring into our world of hospitality.
Lesson 1: Rethink Pricing – The Myth of “More Expensive is Always Better”
DeepSeek’s secret? They didn’t overcomplicate things. They focused on efficiency, kept costs low, and delivered an incredible product—proving that innovation doesn’t have to come with a sky-high price tag.
Now, let’s talk hotels. We’ve all seen it: a hotel restaurant pricing a simple plate of fried rice at MYR50, while a local eatery sells a more authentic version for half the price. Hotels justify it by saying, “We’re a premium experience.” But let’s be real—how many people actually order it at that price?
Here’s the rethink: Instead of selling 100 overpriced plates a month, why not sell 10,000 plates at half the price? Lower price, higher volume, better guest satisfaction. More importantly, it brings people into the restaurant—where they’ll likely spend on drinks, desserts, and other items.
Hotels need to stop assuming higher price = higher value. Instead, let’s price smarter and focus on creating experiences that feel worth it.
Lesson 2: Adapt or Be Left Behind – Embracing External Partnerships
DeepSeek didn’t work in isolation. They leveraged existing AI models, collaborated with external experts, and worked smarter, not harder.
Now, let’s look at hotels and room service. Once upon a time, ordering in-room dining was a luxury. But now, with Grab, Uber Eats, and Foodpanda delivering gourmet meals to your doorstep in 30 minutes, guests aren’t willing to pay MYR80 for a cold club sandwich. Many hotels ban outside food to “protect” their restaurants. Some turn a blind eye.
But what if there’s a third way?
Here’s the rethink: Instead of banning outside food, why not charge a small cleaning fee—like a service tip at a restaurant? Guests get their food, the hotel gets an extra revenue stream, and everyone wins.
The world is changing fast. If hotels want to stay relevant, they need to adapt instead of resist.
Lesson 3: Invest in Your People – Training is NOT a Waste
DeepSeek built an AI powerhouse with a small, young, and highly trained team. They didn’t hire the most expensive engineers—they trained and empowered interns to do incredible things.
And yet, in the hotel industry, I’ve heard General Managers say, “Why spend money on training when employees are just going to leave?” That mindset blows my mind.
Imagine this: You check into a five-star hotel, and the front desk staff can’t even hold a proper conversation with you. They’re untrained, unconfident, and just going through the motions. How does that make you feel as a guest?
Here’s the rethink: Hotels say, “Our people are our biggest asset.” But if that’s true, why do so few invest in proper training? Regular coaching, mentorship, and external trainers elevate service levels, reduce turnover, and improve guest experience.
Lesson learned: If you want great results, train your team. If you don’t, expect your hotel to slowly fall apart.
The Future of Hospitality – It’s Time for Change
DeepSeek’s story isn’t just about AI—it’s about challenging the status quo. It’s about proving that small teams can do big things, efficiency beats waste, and innovation doesn’t have to be expensive. Hotels that embrace these lessons—rethinking pricing, adapting to guest behavior, and investing in people—will be the ones leading the industry in the next decade. So, the big question is: Will your hotel be part of that future?
By Adrian Praveen, CEO of Arrowood
Disclaimer: The information provided is based on available data at the time of writing and reflects the author’s personal opinions.
